Former MCA vice-president and party veteran Yap Pian Hon today became the seventh person to throw in his hat for the vice-president's post in the party election scheduled on Oct 18.

The former three term vice-president from 1990-1999 today announced his third attempt to be re-elected as one of the four vice-presidents since 1999.

"The current adverse political scenario requires the new MCA leadership team to be more effective and resilient.

yap pian hon annouce contest for mca vice president post pc 260908 03"Therefore, the line-up of a comprehensive representation from all levels including party veterans and new blood in the new leadership team is much desired to lead the party and the community out of the political doldrums," he added.

"I have undergone many challenges in my political career and all these I regard as an asset. Not easy to call it a quits regardless how difficult it can be.

"Hence, I have decided to offer myself again as a candidate to be vice-president," he said in a statement today.

He will be joining Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung, Deputy Finance Minister Kong Cho Ha, Youth Chief Liow Tiong Lai, Wanita Chief Dr Ng Yen Yen, Johor exco Tan Kok Hon.

Also in the ring is another vice-president Dr Fong Chan Onn, who will be trying to defend his vice-president post.

Cat with nine lives

yap pian hon annouce contest for mca vice president post pc 260908 05He failed in his effort to be elected as vice-president in the 1999 and 2005 party elections.

Yap, often called a "cat with nine lives" for his political tenacity, is also the former MCA Youth chairperson and Selangor state executive committe (exco) member.

He is also a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee, held during the Operasi Lallang operation in 1987.

Yap, although been elected three times as vice-president, has never been recommended for minister or deputy minister position unlike in the cases of the other vice-presidents.

yap pian hon annouce contest for mca vice president post pc 260908 01He was marginalised for three-term periods of 1990, 1993 and 1996 when he was not given any government posting despite being MCA youth chief and automatic vice president during Ling Liong Sik's leadership tenure.

He was also dropped from contesting in the March general election in his Serdang constituency.

"It is my strong belief that contesting any MCA's post is not a platform for the sake of personal glory," Yap said today.

"I began my political journey in the party from the grassroots. Without any government posts or political baggage, it only strengthens my rapport with them," he added.